Nadolo vs Pietersen

Form will clash with experience when the two giant wingers collide in Chirstchurch this Saturday, writes JON CARDINELLI.

JP Pietersen boasts 51 Tests caps, and has featured in a series of successful international campaigns including the Springboks' triumph at the 2007 World Cup. His size and speed has always made him an asset to both the Sharks and the Boks, as has his reliable defence.

He will certainly need all of that skill and experience when he lines up against Nemani Nadolo this Saturday. Pietersen is no midget at 1.90m and 101kg, although he is significantly lighter than Nadolo (1.95m and 130kg).

The Crusaders have fired as a collective and won their last five games, with their Fijian import proving brutally effective. During this period, Nadolo has scored six tries, including a hat-trick against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

There's no question that Pietersen is the better and more accomplished player. And yet, the Bok veteran will need the Sharks forwards to lay a platform if he is to outplay Nadolo in this particular contest.